hmmm, I am not sure if I like that move. Benitez will probably be way too expensive for what he is actually worth. He wont reproduce last year's numbers, or really come close to them. But he would be a huge upgrade over anything the Giants have right now, so I guess its pretty good. I would just rather trade Alfonzo for Guardado.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there has to be a reason the Tigers went out and signed Percival. They're either really paranoid or they know something about Urbina no one else does. Not just the Giants, but I here several teams being floated around looking at Urbina.

In an article in this morning's Miami Herald, the Marlins said they have not yet given up on re-signing Benitez. Apparently there is ongoing communication between the team and his agent, although no formal offer has been made.

The Marlins officially announces Mota as their closer, pretty much a boot in Benitez's butt out the door. Hermanson is a worthwhile option for the Giants, but Benitez is so much better...

Now me, I'm not Armando Benitez fan. But lest we forget that he was one of the best closers in the game when he was with Baltimore. And, honestly, he wasn't that awful with the Mets, either. He simply can't succeed in 2 scenarios: #1- He is pitching in the playoffs especially in the World Series or a clinching game and #2- He is pitching in the city of New York.

The Giants should do what they can to sign him, a starter, and perhaps a hitter so they have 2 of them. Then, if and when they make it to the playoffs, make Hermanson the closer again. (I don't know if I am kidding because Benitez is not trustworthy with the season on the line...) :-o